JR’s Bar & Grill in Locust Point Now The Port Public House
John T. Chenery purchased JR’s Bar & Grill three years ago and, after a few years of renovations and changes, he has renamed it The Port Public House.
“We have a lot of longshoremen customers and when their wives ask where they are, they can say they are at The Port,” Chenery joked to SouthBMore.com. The first floor has a longshoremen theme with many pictures of the Port of Baltimore.
JR’s was owned by the Armstrong family and was named for the late JR Armstrong who passed away in 2010. Chenery is an Army veteran and also owns a federal contracting company called Veteran Solutions, Inc., which works with veterans.
Chenery told SouthBMore.com that he’s trying to keep up with the changing demographic in Locust Point. “We are trying to create an environment where old and new Locust Point can mesh,” he said.
The building underwent a renovation, including updates to the first floor and kitchen with added dining space and new televisions. The second floor was also turned into a game room with sports bar feel. The second floor includes pool tables, skeeball, darts, and high-top tables. This space is also available for private parties and used to host events for kids. There is also a third floor where The Port has an office and holds meetings.
The first floor bar now features a larger selection of wines and whiskeys. The Port also rotates in many craft beers on its eight draft lines. The Port has a daily happy hour, Orioles game drink and food specials, Tuesday Trivia night, and Wine Wednesday.
Chef Sebastien Trossbach has been running the kitchen for more than a year after leaving a position at Sullivan’s Steakhouse. Popular menu items include cheesesteaks, shrimp po’ boys, crab cakes, fajitas, soft pretzels, and fish tacos. The Port is also launching a new entrée menu that will focus on Mexican plates. Chenery also wanted to make sure they added some “heart healthy” items including salads and healthier sandwiches.
The Port is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, and opens for breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays. The Port has a staff of 16 and the General Manager is Chris Allison. Chenery’s daughter Alicia is also part of the ownership team and Jessica Mainhart is Chenery’s Executive Assistant and assists with The Port’s social media.
The Port has a capacity of 135 and hopes to have outdoor seating in the future. Chenery told SouthBMore.com he is also hoping to open a location “across the water” in Southeast Baltimore in the future.
Chenery, who is originally from Southern California, told SouthBMore.com he has fallen in love with the Locust Point community and that he is hoping to meet more people in the area. “If you haven’t been here in a while, come by and give us a shot,” said Chenery.
About the Author: Kevin Lynch
Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, father of three, amateur pizza chef, skateboarder, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at Kevin@InceptMM.com and follow me on Twitter at @SoBoKevin.
